Trees of Mystery

Trees of Mystery is a privately operated roadside attraction on U.S. 101 near Klamath, outside the public Redwood parks’ trail system. Nearly a mile of groomed interpretive paths connects redwood features with an enclosed gondola, an elevated canopy walk and the End of the Trail Collection. Visitors commonly spend two or three hours here; set aside closer to half a day if you want to cover the full attraction without rushing. It is a separately ticketed stop, so treat it as its own outing alongside the public park groves.

The enclosed SkyTrail gondola travels about one-third of a mile each way and climbs 571 feet to Ted’s Ridge; a ride averages about nine minutes. Eight six-passenger cars slow at three short stretches for photos. At the top, a large deck looks east toward the Klamath backcountry and west toward Hidden Beach and the Pacific. Visibility shapes how much you can see. The gondola began operating in 2001; Poma built the lift in Grand Junction, and its CWA Omega cars were made in Switzerland.

Among the named experiences are the Forest Experience Trail, Trail of Tall Tales and Kingdom of Trees. Interpretive paths lead toward the SkyTrail station, with slopes and uneven footing that make this more than a flat boardwalk. The optional Wilderness Trail descends from Ted’s Ridge and is a steeper, rougher choice intended for experienced hikers in proper footwear; it can close when weather makes it unsuitable. Comfortable shoes and a layer for the coastal weather will serve you better than rushing between attractions.

The Redwood Canopy Trail follows suspension bridges and platforms above the forest floor, threading around the trunks. It gives you a different sense of how the bridges sit among the trees than the ground paths do. The elevated route is not a good fit for everyone who is uneasy with heights, and dogs are not allowed on this trail.

Paul Bunyan and Babe the blue ox stand beside the entrance, 49 feet 2 inches and 35 feet tall. They are a recognizable roadside landmark beside the entrance.

At the north end of the gift shop, the free End of the Trail Collection opened on March 10, 1968. It grew from Marylee Thompson Smith’s collecting interest, which had begun decades earlier. It is a separate indoor stop from the gondola and trail network, so you can visit it without taking the paid routes.

The trails are maintained year-round, but the Wilderness Trail is weather-sensitive. The trail network is not wheelchair accessible; the operator offers a shuttle to the SkyTrail station for people who cannot easily walk up to it. Leashed dogs can go through most of the attraction and ride the gondola, but not the Redwood Canopy Trail. Walking the full site involves uneven ground and some steep sections.